Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti held a press conference today, October 17, ahead of Sunday’s clash against Lazio at the Allianz Stadium. Following their victory over Celta Vigo in the Europa League, the Bianconeri face another serious challenge, with the Italian coach discussing the team’s fatigue, potential changes to the starting lineup, the attacking partnership of Randal Kolo Muani and Nick Woltemade, the condition of several players, and the qualities of their upcoming opponents.
Spalletti particularly emphasized that physical recovery will play an important role in selecting the starting lineup, while also insisting that Juventus must continue to develop a winning mentality.
Spalletti warns: “Lazio are an extremely dangerous opponent!”
At the beginning of the press conference, the Juventus coach praised the work of Gennaro Gattuso, who has achieved excellent results with Lazio.
“We have to highlight Gattuso’s work. Considering what he has done at the start of the season, he is one of the best among us, alongside Alvini and Pizzacane.”
Spalletti then highlighted the qualities of Lazio’s team.
“Lazio have a recognizable mentality and organization, but also some excellent individual players. Frattesi is an extremely dynamic player. I know him well and understand how many different things he can do on the pitch. Then there are Isaksen and Zaccagni. Lazio are a very dangerous team, and we will have to make the right decisions.”
The Italian coach believes Juventus must not allow their opponents to impose their own rhythm, particularly given the quality Lazio possess in the attacking areas.
Recovery after Vigo: “Everything started at 4:30 in the morning!”
One of the most important topics at the press conference was the team’s physical condition following their European away trip.
“Recovery after Vigo began at 4:30 in the morning, when we returned. The following day, we assessed the players’ condition because everyone reacts differently to trips like that.”
Spalletti explained that the coaching staff had not focused on demanding physical training sessions.
“From a physical perspective, we did not do anything special. We worked on the approach and the principles the players must keep in mind. A match does not begin with the referee’s whistle; it begins when you start imagining it.”
He particularly emphasized the importance of medical and physical data when selecting the team.
“Sometimes, the player who starts is not the one in the best technical form, but the one who has recovered best and is feeling the freshest.”
This approach could lead to changes in the starting lineup against Lazio, particularly in positions where Juventus have several quality options.
Kolo Muani and Woltemade together? Spalletti reveals a major dilemma!
Following the two forwards’ successful performances against Celta Vigo, one of the main questions was whether Kolo Muani and Nick Woltemade would start together against Lazio.
Spalletti did not want to reveal his final decision.
“That is one of the dilemmas we will consider over the next few hours. We also have to think about how the match might develop.”
The Juventus coach emphasized that modern football requires a different approach to selecting the starting lineup.
“There are no starters and substitutes. That is a limited way of thinking. We must expand the group of players who have starter status.”
He particularly highlighted the difference between Woltemade’s performances against Cagliari and Celta Vigo.
“Against Cagliari, Woltemade was surprised by a particular opportunity, whereas in Vigo he managed to score. You have to be ready when destiny knocks on your door because it rewards the most determined.”
Spalletti explained that introducing all the attacking options at the same time could reduce the opportunities to make changes during the match.
As a result, it remains uncertain whether Juventus will start with two strikers or whether one of them will be an important weapon coming off the bench.
Boga can play for half an hour, while Zhegrova is competing for a starting spot!
Spalletti also discussed Jérémie Boga’s physical condition and the possibility of Edon Zhegrova receiving more playing time.
“Boga currently has around half an hour in his legs.”
When discussing Zhegrova, the Juventus coach had plenty of praise for the winger.
“Zhegrova has demonstrated his quality and his unpredictable moves, both for himself and for his opponents.”
However, he warned that the number of attacking players on the pitch must be balanced according to the team’s needs.
“We have to find the right balance, particularly when we use a large number of attack-minded players.”
Spalletti then suggested that Zhegrova could be given a starting opportunity.
“Zhegrova could get the chance to start from the first minute. Based on what he has shown us, he deserves to play more.”
These comments open the door to potential changes in Juventus’ attacking lineup against Lazio.
Sarr as a solution to Thuram’s absence: “He can play in several positions!”
One of the questions also concerned the options offered by Sarr, particularly given Khéphren Thuram’s absence.
Spalletti praised the player’s versatility.
“Sarr is a footballer who can do a bit of everything. He has not yet shown all his qualities, and he also possesses an excellent long-range shot.”
The Juventus coach believes his ability to adapt to different roles could prove extremely valuable.
“He is a complete player. He can organize the game, make runs from deep, and win possession.”
Spalletti added that Sarr possesses certain characteristics similar to those of Thuram and Weston McKennie, making him another option in midfield.
Spalletti will lead the team from the stands: “I have the best assistant in the world!”
Because he will be absent from the touchline, Spalletti will watch the match from the stands, but he emphasized that he has complete confidence in his staff.
“I will probably contact my staff by phone at the end of the first half. Until then, I will leave the team entirely in their hands.”
He particularly praised his assistant, Domenichini.
“I have the best assistant in the world, and I would never replace him. I have complete trust in Domenichini.”
Spalletti said he feels calm because he believes the coaching staff will make the right decisions throughout the match.
Spalletti defends his players: “I have enormous faith in this team!”
In the final part of the press conference, Spalletti reflected on Juventus’ performances so far and the progress he has observed while working with the team.
Despite the draw against Cagliari, he believes his side produced a strong performance.
“Against Cagliari, we played an excellent match, even though we only earned one point.”
He emphasized that the players’ attitude during their collective reviews gives him reason to be optimistic.
“I have great faith in them. This is a strong and healthy group, and I am convinced that the results will come because we are on the right path.”
For Spalletti, the most important thing is for Juventus to maintain their commitment and continue improving, regardless of the pressure surrounding results.
The clash against Lazio will be an important test for the Bianconeri, but also an opportunity to build on their European victory and demonstrate further progress in the domestic league.
The quotations have been translated from Italian into Serbian and then into English, with some sections of the original statements shortened.
